By Dick Downey

A number of horses based in the U. S. were nominated to the Group 2 U.A.E. Derby, led by 15 submitted by Bob Baffert. The $2,000,000 U.A.E. Derby will run on March 31.

Surveying the 136 nominees led to these trainers and horses that caught our attention.

Tom Albertrani nominated Souper Speedy (Worth Watching).

Bob Baffert nominated Bodemeister, Brannaman, Brigand (Just In Case), Castaway, Delayed, Drill (Just In Case), Eaton Hall, Fed Biz (Worth Watching), Gun Boat, Lasso, Liaison (Looking Good), Midnight Crooner, Secret Circle (Worth Watching) and Sky Kingdom (Looking Good).

Jeff Bonde nominated Blacky the Bull, Coaltown Cat, Dante's Storm, Gophari, Majestic Stride (Just In Case), Seventh Avenue, Terrad, Where's Henry and Zip Cat.

Herman Brown nominated Maritimer.

Eion Harty nominated Arm Force, Bill of Rights and Right to Vote (Worth Watching).

Jerry Hollendorfer nominated Longview Drive (Worth Watching), Rousing Sermon (Looking Good) and Russian Greek (Worth Watching).

Mike de Kock nominated Bobydijob, Enjoy Dubai and Mickdaam.

Kiaran McLaughlin nominated Got What.

Ken McPeek nominated Unbridled Minister (Worth Watching).

Graham Motion nominated Lucky Chappy (Worth Watching).

Bill Mott nominated Desert Storm.

Aidan O'Brien nominated Daddy Long Legs and Wrote.

Todd Pletcher nominated Algorithms (Worth Watching), Big Blue Nation (Worth Watching) and Gemologist (Looking Good).

Saeed bin Suroor nominated Asatir and Rassam.

Mahmoud Al Zarooni nominated Counterglow, Gamilati, Kinglet, Pimpernel and Zip Top.